The minister, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, said the suggestion is among the “drastic measures” that have been proposed to the finance ministry.

“We are taking several drastic measures by proposing to the finance ministry that the subsidiaries under Mara, and various other agencies that are not contributing profits, be closed down and merged with others,” he said at Menara Mara here.

Zahid, who is also deputy prime minister, said the rural and regional development ministry wants all of its subsidiaries to generate profit as it will help the ministry to fund activities and programmes that benefit the public.

“We are doing this to reduce the (ministry’s) financial burden,” he said, adding that he hoped the proposal will bring about “significant changes” next year.

He also said his ministry has proposed contributing towards ensuring food security in the country so as to reduce food imports.

Zahid was speaking after a visit to a bazaar in which 65 entrepreneurs took part, offering products in the beauty, health, handicraft, clothing and fashion, and food and beverage segments. Simultaneously, a Rahmah Sale for daily necessities was also held.